A Travel Price Comparison for Norway Flam vs. Bergen for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Flam or Bergen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Flam and Bergen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Flam

Flam is a breathtaking, beautiful, and natural village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and hiking.

Bergen

Bergen is a friendly, laid back, and nostalgic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Flam and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Flam or Bergen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bergen than Flam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bergen is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Flam is more popular for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Flam is more touristy than Bergen and is popular for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. Bergen is well known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Also, Bergen is famous for Bryggen.

How is Flam different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen and Flam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Flam or Bergen?

Bergen is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

Is the Food Better in Flam or Bergen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Flam is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Flam is an experience not to be missed. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bergen. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Bergen is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergen has a few options to choose from. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Bergen is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Hiking?

Flam is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Bergen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Flam or Bergen?

Bergen is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Families?

Both Flam and Bergen are superb family-friendly destinations.

Flam is a very family-friendly destination. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly village. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Couples?

Flam and Bergen both superb destinations for a couple.

Flam is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

Bergen is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Flam and Bergen are notable places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Students?

Bergen is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Flam is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

Flam is not popular with students.

Is Flam or Bergen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bergen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Bergen can move around easily with public transportation. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Flam or Bergen a more walkable city?

Flam and Bergen are superb when it comes to walkability.

Flam is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area.

Bergen is a very walkable village. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Flam Worth Visiting? and Is Bergen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Flam?

How long in Flam or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Flam and Bergen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bergen than in Flam. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Flam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bergen.

Families should spend more time in Bergen than Flam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bergen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bergen than Flam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bergen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergen than Flam if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bergen.

One day in Flam or Bergen?

Flam might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bergen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Flam or Bergen?

Flam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bergen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Flam or Bergen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Flam. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the nostalgic destination of Bergen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Flam or Bergen?

Flam is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The nostalgic city of Bergen offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Norway, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway.

When comparing the travel costs between Flam and Bergen, we can see that Flam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Flam Expensive? and Is Bergen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Flam or Bergen?

Bergen has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Flam and Bergen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Flam or Bergen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Flam or Bergen in the Summer?

Both Bergen and Flam during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Flam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bergen for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Flam is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Flam average around 15°C (58°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. Flam usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bergen. Flam gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Flam or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Flam and Bergen. Many travelers come to Flam for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Flam is around the same temperature as Bergen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Flam averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bergen fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Flam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergen. Flam gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Flam or Bergen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Flam as well as Bergen. Many visitors come to Flam in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bergen can be very cold during winter. Flam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Flam is around the same temperature as Bergen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Flam in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Bergen averages at about 2°C (35°F).

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Flam receives a lot of rain in the winter. Flam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bergen. Flam gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Flam or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Flam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Flam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm.

In April, Flam is generally around the same temperature as Bergen. Daily temperatures in Flam average around 6°C (43°F), and Bergen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. It's quite rainy in Flam. In April, Flam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bergen. Flam gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Flam